[neutralino]

Originally Posted by Robert This is a great idea and one I've tried in the past. The following forums are on longer accessible via menu/links, but I've placed the links below so you can see what was tried in the past. I stopped them due to lack of interest, but I think members didn't really know they existed. We have more traffic now so they may do better next time. Anyway, it's on my rather large todo list to revive this or something similar. Books For In-Depth Discussion - Discussion threads on books

Thanks for your input, Robert. This is pretty much what I had in mind, although I'm not sure whether each book needs its own forum: I think a thread per book will suffice. Apart from that, it looks good. Shame it didn't take off last time but, hopefully, such a forum would be used a lot more now.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by neutralino Thanks for your input, Robert. This is pretty much what I had in mind, although I'm not sure whether each book needs its own forum: I think a thread per book will suffice. Apart from that, it looks good. Shame it didn't take off last time but, hopefully, such a forum would be used a lot more now.

My grand vision regarding book discussions is be able to associate a discussion thread with any significant paragraph, image, formula, etc. contained within a book. An example.. you read a paragraph that strikes you as significant, inspirational, or perhaps just confuses you, so you go to the relevant thread to read comments by others on that specific paragraph and post your own comments/questions. So, taking this to the extreme, every paragraph can be a starting thread. I'm not sure if a forum is the proper vehicle for this, but perhaps with some customization.

In addition to this a book review forum is needed where there's one thread per book and that can be done in the near-term, so I'll get that going before starting my grand vision.

--Robert

[dleviwing]

The problem with the book review forums is that members would need to buy the books (cost prohibited to some) or borrow from a library (not always available). Maybe we should just review internet sites for a more comprehensive list of worthwhile sites to study science information and references.

[Profpat]

I'll second Davids idea.

[neutralino]

David's idea is good as well, but the point of my suggestion was that if one knows that they want to buy a book on some specific topic, but they don't know which out of a few would be more suitable, then the forums would be useful to decide; not the converse.

Anyway, I don't see any reason why there couldn't be a book review forum and website review forum run side by side.

[Profpat]

I'll second Neutralino's idea

[Robert]

Originally Posted by neutralino Anyway, I don't see any reason why there couldn't be a book review forum and website review forum run side by side.

We already have a website review forum, although it's underutilized at the moment. You can check it out under LINKS in the topmost menu bar, or click here.

--Robert

[neutralino]

Originally Posted by Robert We already have a website review forum, although it's underutilized at the moment. You can check it out under LINKS in the topmost menu bar, or click here. --Robert

Cool. Sorry, I didn't know about that. Is there perhaps a way to collapse that links forum on the main page, or maybe put a button on the taskbar with usercp etc.. One of the reasons that it may be underutilised is that members (like me!) can't find it!

[Robert]

Originally Posted by dleviwing The problem with the book review forums is that members would need to buy the books (cost prohibited to some) or borrow from a library (not always available).

Yes, I think that is why the study hall idea didn't work out last time. BTW, another excellent resource for accessing books is Google Books.

[Profpat]

Originally Posted by Robert Yes, I think that is why the study hall idea didn't work out last time. BTW, another excellent resource for accessing books is Google Books.

That is a great site Robert, thanks, I have just book marked it.